Melvin Anthony Williams

Life Reflection

Melvin Anthony Williams was the first of three children born in 1959, on "July 4th at 4:04 pm on the 4th floor" of Barnes Hospital of St. Louis, MO, to Melvin "Que" and Dorothy (Wright) Williams. He was affectionately called Tony , so much so, most forget his government name is Melvin. Tony was preceded in death by both parents and brother Marcus Williams.

Tony grew up in Robertson and Florissant, MO. He graduated from Hazelwood East High School and attended classes at St. Louis Community College. He enjoyed football, martial arts and played bass guitar in various bands in California. He retired from Citi Mortgage where he worked for over ten years. In 2001, Tony met Montrice Christian. Their first date was on Christmas Day 2001, they were engaged on Christmas Eve 2002, and they were married in November 2003.

No one could recount a story in grandeur and detail quite like Tony . He was a masterful and gregarious narrator captivating every listener. The more he retold a story, real or imagined, the bigger it grew. He loved to entertain people and was a natural comedian. According to Tony , he served in the Vietnam War. His wife would remind him the war took place during his elementary years. He would remind his wife not to ruin his story with silly things like facts. They would laugh and Tony would retell that story another day in a bigger way.

He had an immense love for family. He never uttered the words in-law or half-sibling to describe relatives. Everyone was simply family. He loved to travel with his family, especially his niece and nephews whom he affectionately renamed Slick, Doc, and Big Cat. The heart that failed him was the size of Texas and he never knew a stranger.

Tony leaves behind to celebrate his life and legacy, his wife of 19 years, Montrice Williams; his two children, Jazmine Nicole Chan and Cannon Lewis Williams; his sister Brenda Warner; his brother Craig Williams Sr.; his aunt Annie Cunningham and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends but no "special friend(s)".